Foxglove plants (Digitalis purpurea) are beloved for their towering spikes of tubular flowers, which add both height and color to gardens. These hardy biennials and perennials require specific care to thrive. With the right balance of light, water, and soil conditions, you can enjoy these enchanting plants season after season. Here are ten practical tips to keep your foxgloves healthy and beautiful.
1. Choose the Right Location
Foxgloves thrive in partial shade, although they can tolerate full sun in cooler climates. They prefer dappled light under trees or along garden borders. Ensure that your chosen location offers some shade during the hottest part of the day to prevent wilting.
Avoid planting foxgloves in full, direct sun, especially in areas with intense summer heat. Too much sunlight can lead to scorched leaves and reduced flowering. A partially shaded spot helps maintain vibrant blooms.
2. Prepare Well-Draining Soil
Foxgloves prefer moist, well-drained soil. Before planting, enrich your soil with organic matter like compost or aged manure. This not only improves drainage but also adds necessary nutrients that help promote strong growth.
Clay soils should be amended to prevent waterlogging, which can cause root rot. Raised beds or mounded garden plots work well if your soil is heavy or doesn’t drain properly, keeping the roots healthy.
3. Water Consistently, but Not Excessively
Although foxgloves like consistent moisture, it’s important not to overwater them. Water deeply once or twice a week, depending on weather conditions. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out slightly before watering again.
Ensure the soil stays damp but not soggy, as overly wet conditions can lead to fungal problems. Mulching around the base of the plants helps retain moisture without drowning the roots.
4. Mulch to Retain Moisture and Prevent Weeds
Adding a 2-3 inch layer of organic mulch around your foxgloves helps to retain soil moisture and reduce the risk of weeds competing for nutrients. Use materials like bark chips, compost, or shredded leaves.
Mulching also keeps the soil temperature more consistent, protecting roots from extreme heat in summer or cold snaps in early spring. Be sure to leave space around the base of the plant to prevent rot.
5. Deadhead Regularly to Promote Continuous Blooms
To encourage a longer blooming season, regularly remove spent flowers. Deadheading prevents the plant from using energy to produce seeds, redirecting it toward new growth and additional blooms.
Cut back the flower spike just above the nearest set of leaves after the flowers fade. However, leave some blooms if you want the plant to self-seed and return in the following seasons.
6. Support Tall Stalks with Stakes
As foxgloves can grow several feet tall, their flower spikes may become top-heavy, especially in windy conditions. Gently stake the plants to prevent them from snapping or leaning.
Use bamboo stakes or garden ties to secure the stalks. Place the stakes early in the season before the plants get too tall to avoid damaging the roots or stems during installation.
7. Fertilize Sparingly
Foxgloves are relatively low-maintenance when it comes to feeding. Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring to provide the necessary nutrients for the growing season.
Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of flowers. Organic fertilizers like compost or worm castings work well, offering a gentler nutrient release.
8. Monitor for Pests and Diseases
Foxgloves can be susceptible to pests such as aphids, slugs, and spider mites. Regularly inspect your plants for signs of infestation, particularly during warm, humid periods.
Use organic treatments like neem oil or insecticidal soap if pests appear. Also, be on the lookout for fungal diseases, such as powdery mildew. Good air circulation around the plants helps prevent these issues.
9. Allow for Natural Self-Seeding
Foxgloves readily self-seed, ensuring their return year after year. If you want a continuous display, allow some flowers to go to seed naturally, which will drop and germinate the following spring.
To control the spread, remove unwanted seedlings in early spring when they are easier to identify. Thin out plants as needed to prevent overcrowding, which can lead to poor air circulation and disease.
10. Protect Foxgloves from Harsh Winters
In colder regions, foxgloves can be sensitive to frost. Apply a thick layer of mulch over the roots in late fall to insulate them from freezing temperatures.
If your area experiences harsh winters, you may want to grow foxgloves in pots and bring them indoors or into a sheltered location until spring arrives.